What's Hot: Very rugged. Modular design lets you choose the level of protection you want. Aluminum kickstand is removable, and accessories can be installed in its place. Multiple color choices. Sturdy belt clip. Includes headphone jack extender.

What's Not: Nothing!

Reviewed by Tom Slayton

The Kraken AMS for iPhone 5 is a rugged and highly modular case. It features three progressively protective layers that can be easily added/removed on the fly.

Size and Fit

As with all truly rugged cases, the Kraken is big a bulky when fully installed. However, unlike other cases, this one allows you to choose the level of protection you need. The inner silicone layer doesn't add a great deal of heft to your phone, but add the faceplate and the back panel and you've just doubled the weight of your phone (and heavily armored it in the process). All of the modules fit perfectly together at every level, and hug your iPhone snugly with full access to ports, buttons, and switches.

Features and Quality

If you're used to hearing other brand names when the topic of heavy duty iPhone protection comes up, stand by, because Trident has outdone them with the Kraken AMS. Just need basic bump/scuff protection? Install the cushy silicone layer. Want protection for your iPhone's glass face? Snap on the front plate, which comes with a fairly tough screen protector. Need full drop protection, as well as significant protection from moisture? Engage the rear panel, which will also allow you to utilize the aluminum kickstand. But wait, there's more! Slide out the kickstand and install Trident's bike/rail or tripod mount (sold separately), and you've just turned your phone into an action-cam. It's important to note that the Kraken is NOT waterproof; it is, however, very water resistant, and will protect your iPhone from rain, mud, snow, and other types of splash damage.

While this is an impressive list of features, none of it would matter if the thing weren't well-made. Thankfully, it is. The Kraken feels great in your hand. The ABS plastic is very thick, and feels like it would withstand a substantial drop (untested!). The Kraken also comes with a headphone jack extender and a nicely sturdy belt clip; one without sharp edges to scratch or gouge your hip or snag on your clothing. Lastly, Trident's engineers were smart enough to bury the silicone on the inside where it won't stretch-out, collect lint, or pull your pocket inside-out.

Style

While the Kraken's ABS outer-shell comes only in black, the inner silicone layer is available in black, blue, red, pink, and green. This little splash of color on the edges really makes your iPhone pop, and accentuates the multiple layers that are built into this thing.

Summary

Competition in the rugged iPhone case market is fierce, and it's not uncommon to see the Best In Class trophy pass back and forth several times in the course of just a few months. While I eagerly await to see what the formidable competition can come up with in the coming year, I can safely say that for now, the Kraken AMS by Trident is the best all-around rugged case you can buy.